Derek Watkins, the trumpeter who played on every James Bond soundtrack, has died aged 68.

The British musician performed on every Bond film from Dr No to 2012's Skyfall.

He passed away at his home in Esher, Surrey, on Friday (March 22) after a long illness.

Watkins was "widely considered to be the foremost British Big Band trumpet player" of all time, Philip Biggs of the Brass Herald said.

The trumpeter is survived by his wife Wendy and their three children.

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Watkins turned professional aged 17, before playing in his conductor father's band the Spring Gardens Brass Band in Reading.

Dizzy Gillespie described him as "Mr Lead", and he also played with the likes of The Beatles, Sir Elton John, Eric Clapton, Frank Sinatra, the London Symphony Orchestra and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

He also played with the BBC Big Band, while also performing with jazz musicians including Johnny Dankworth, Maynard Ferguson and Benny Goodman.